Hunters around Michigan are getting ready to get outdoors! Sunday, Sept. 15, marks the statewide start of hunting season for cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse, fox and gray squirrel. Woodcock season, also statewide, follows less than a week later on Sept. 21.

Before hitting the forests and fields, every small game hunter needs to have a Michigan base license. A resident base license costs $11 and is valid as a small game license.

The base license allows hunters to hunt for rabbit, hare, squirrel (fox and gray), pheasant, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, woodchuck, woodcock, quail, crow, coyote (Michigan residents only) and waterfowl during the open season for each species.

Hunting for pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, woodcock or waterfowl? Remember these extras (all of which are available via e-License:

If you’ve ever wondered how the DNR gets the eggs it uses for fish production or wanted to see big Great Lakes fish up close and personal, think about catching a tour of one of the northern Michigan weirs.

The Boardman River Weir in downtown Traverse City, the Little Manistee River Weir in Manistee County and the Upper Platte River Weir in Benzie County will be open for free tours to the public and school groups from mid-September through the end of October.

This is the perfect time to see these weirs – structures that block fish from passing upstream – in action, because all three will be used to aid fall fish collection. The DNR will be collecting surplus chinook and coho salmon at the Boardman River Weir. Chinook salmon harvested at the Manistee River Weir support the DNR’s work to collect fertilized eggs for this key fish species. Additionally, the weir at Platte River State Fish Hatchery helps staff collect coho salmon in order to extract fertilized eggs for continued production in the hatchery system.

During the tours, students and visitors will learn about salmon biology, how weirs and fish ladders work, invasive species, state fish hatcheries and the impact of egg-collection efforts on Michigan’s fisheries. The programs tie in components of history, ecology, biology and stewardship.

Tours will begin Friday at the Boardman River Weir, Oct. 2 at the Little Manistee River Weir and Oct. 16 at the Platte River State Fish Hatchery. Group tours are available by appointment. Schedule a group tour now.

To learn more about state hatcheries and weirs, visit Michigan.gov/Hatcheries. Check for updates at two of the weirs throughout the season by calling their hotlines:

With more than 12,500 miles of designated trails, including more rail-trail miles than any other state, Michigan has earned its reputation as the Trails State.

“It doesn’t matter the season, it doesn’t matter where you are in the state, Michigan has your trail,” said Paul Yauk, state trails coordinator with the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. “It’s unbelievable the number of trails available across the state. They’re a great resource to help people stay healthy and active, explore history or just have fun.”

Michigan also boasts the Iron Belle Trail, the longest state-designated trail in the nation. With two distinct routes – one for hiking and one for biking – the 2,050-mile Iron Belle Trail is a catalyst for communities across Michigan to connect to each other. The trail stretches from Belle Isle in Detroit to Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula.

Michigan Trails Week not only celebrates trails on land, but also water trails. Earlier this year, Michigan announced its first-ever designated water trails and launched the Pure Michigan Trails and Trail Towns program, which recognized six trails and four trail towns for having broad community support and a sustainable maintenance and marketing plan and providing users with a quality trail experience.

“Michigan’s vast and diverse trails system plays a big role in stimulating tourism and encouraging healthy lifestyles for all ages,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “We deeply appreciate all of our trail partners who are critical to sustaining quality trails throughout the state.”